Witold Rybczynski takes us on an extraordinary odyssey as he tells the story of designing and building his own house. His project began as a workshed, but through a series of “happy accidents,” the structure gradually evolved into a full-fledged house.

In tracing this evolution, he touches on matters both theoretical and practical, writing on such diverse topics as the ritualistic origins of the elements of classical architecture and the connections between dress and habitation. He discusses feng-shui and considers the theories of such architects as Palladio, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

An eloquent examination of the links between being and building, The Most Beautiful House in the World offers insights into the joys of “installing ourselves in a place, of establishing a spot where it would be safe to dream.”

Download and start listening now!

1310

Listener Opinions

by Katie Lynn | 12/7/2013

" Very interesting and informative. Not what I expected at all; not much of a "story". More an interesting study on architecture formed around a personal experience by the author. I enjoyed it. "

by Susan | 12/3/2013

" "Susan, I think you and Pat will find this book very interesting. Love, Mom" "

by Antoinette Palmieri | 11/15/2013

" Very good, I look forward to borrowing his other books from Ben. "

by David Bird | 9/12/2013

" My first experience of Rybczynski. I have enjoyed everything of his that I have read. I appreciate very much his idea of creating one's own perfect environment. "

Other Titles by Witold Rybczynski:

About the Author

Witold Rybczynski has written about architecture for the New York Times, Time, Atlantic, the New Yorker, and Slate, and is the author of the award-winning A Clearing in the Distance. He is the recipient of the National Building Museum’s 2007 Vincent Scully Prize. He lives with his wife in Philadelphia, where he teaches at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design.

[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.